Frequently asked questions
Quick answers about using Unhide Me, the permissions it asks for, and which Macs it runs on.
Using Unhide Me
Showing hidden files, hiding single items and keeping the icon in sync.
Why not just press Command-Shift-Period in Finder?
That shortcut only works while Finder is the frontmost app, and Finder doesn’t reliably save the setting. Unhide Me puts the toggle in the menu bar, shows the current state in its icon, and saves the setting every time you toggle.
Why does my desktop flicker when I toggle?
Without Accessibility permission, Unhide Me falls back to restarting Finder, which causes the flicker. Choose Enable Instant Toggle… in the menu and allow Unhide Me under Accessibility, and toggles happen instantly, in place.
How do I hide a single file without renaming it?
Select it in Finder, then choose right-click › Services › Toggle Hidden Flag. This sets the item’s hidden flag rather than renaming it to a dotfile. If the Service isn’t in the menu, turn it on once under System Settings › Keyboard › Keyboard Shortcuts › Services.
Does the icon update if I change the setting in Terminal?
Yes, within about 2 seconds of a defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles change. A Command-Shift-Period pressed directly in Finder isn’t detected, because Finder doesn’t save that change.
Permissions and requirements
What Unhide Me needs, which Macs it runs on, and your files.
What permissions does Unhide Me ask for?
- Accessibility (optional), for the instant, flicker-free toggle.
- The Toggle Hidden Flag Service may need turning on once in System Settings › Keyboard › Keyboard Shortcuts › Services.
- macOS may ask once before Unhide Me changes the hidden flag of items in Desktop, Documents or Downloads.
- A login item, only if you turn on Launch at login.
Does it work on Intel Macs?
No. Unhide Me is built for Apple silicon only and needs macOS 14 Sonoma or later.
Can it damage my files?
Unhide Me only changes Finder’s “show all files” setting and the hidden flag of items you choose. It never moves, copies, renames or deletes files, and it makes no network calls.
How do I get Unhide Me?
Unhide Me is in beta. Leave your email under Join the beta and we’ll send you a download link as soon as there’s a beta build for you to try.
Didn’t find your answer?
Open a ticket and we’ll reply by email.
Unhide Me is an independent app and is not affiliated with, endorsed or sponsored by Apple Inc. Finder, Mac and macOS are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
invisibliX is a trademark of its respective owner. Unhide Me is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by its owner.